Music is a tool, a resource best used to bring awareness where possible, and of course, to entertain. When you’re the kind of artist who’s capable of bridging these elements, you’re pretty much winning, whether the world hears it or the universe absorbs it.
The world will eventually know Dwayne ‘S.K. H. I.’ Arthur – a Trinidad and Tobago artist whose optimistic personality speaks volumes, and whose knowledge echoes with every single he releases. As a 10-year-old kid in Trinidad, S.K.H.I started composing music, and at the age of 18, he got his first taste of competition when he entered the now defunct, ‘Party Time’ showcase in Trinidad and Tobago. Now, years later, the New York based vocalist who once ran in circles with artistes like Rapso’s, Ataklan and even the Roy Cape All Stars family, is pressing on, releasing a brand new single he calls, ‘POWER.’
Positive and reflective, the Millbeatz Entertainment produced track encourages upliftment and unity in the face of global uncertainty. “There’s power always in unity, bring de love,” S.K.H.I. sings. A catchy tune with lyrics that leave a lasting impression, the artist’s contribution to the carnival 2022 season in Trinidad and Tobago is timely, considering the recent confirmation that T&T’s National Carnival Commission will proceed with safe zone events in a ‘Taste of Carnival’ showcase. “I think it’s necessary…some type of showcase of our culture. The truth is we’re going to have to learn to live with the pandemic and even in so doing, responsible activity has to be established. This effort, I think, leads the way in that regard,” he said.
S.K.H.I is an acronym for Sincerity, Kindness, Honor, Integrity. It’s atypical to say the least, but with a heart that’s bent on engaging thoughtful appreciation for music and lyrics, this artist’s chosen name is perfect for him.
‘POWER’ follows previous music releases, among them, ‘Niceness’ in 2016, ‘Desire’ in 2008, ‘Addictive’ in 2007 and ‘Find Ah Way’ in 2006. S.K.H.I says that after being dormant for the past six years, this release is one he felt compelled to be a part of, if only for it to be a testimony of his existence. “I really hope people take in the positivity in the song. For me that is the most important thing,” he said.
For more on the S.K.H.I, follow him @SKHILIFE on Instagram and look him up via a quick Facebook search – Dwayne ‘S.K. H. I.’ Arthur.
Trinidadian superstar Machel Montano has dropped the sizzling video for “Her Mudda”with the Virgin Islands’ Pumpa ahead of Trinidad & Tobago’s annual Carnival. The single appears on Montano’s upcoming studio album,One Degree Hotter, which is set for for release later this month via his record label, Monk Music.
“With its striking visuals directed by D. Padmore and ColorMeStadic, pulsating rhythms produced by Stadic & Jonny Blaze, and vibrant performances throughout, “Her Mudda” is a testament to the infectious spirit of soca music and the power of dance,” a media release issued by the team, highlights.
Pumpa and Machel have collaborated on “Yuh Mudda.”
“Her Mudda” along with Machel’s recently released singles – “Fling It Up” ft. Davido, “Pepper Vine” ft. Lady Lava and Drupatee, “PARDY”, “The Truth”, “Bumpa”, and “Fallen Fetters” with Skinny Fabulous – will all be featured on One Degree Hotter.
The album’s title is a play on words, not only referencing his hot streak of hit records, but also a nod to his recent completion of a Master’s degree in Carnival Studies at the University of Trinidad & Tobago.
“After two years earning my Master’s degree in Carnival Studies, immersing myself in my culture, and studying where we’ve come from, I’m more inspired than ever about where we can go next. I couldn’t wait to get back in the studio and work on my next album, fueled by everything I’ve learned. ‘One Degree Hotter’ is a double entendre—it marks my Master’s degree, but also my mission to turn up the heat on my music and take it to the corners of the globe,” Machel said.
“Songs like ‘Fling It Up’ ft. Davido and ‘Pepper Vine’ with Lady Lava and Drupatee reflect that vision—pushing Soca forward by connecting it with the global sounds of Africa and India. To me, this album represents a step forward in the evolution of my sound and mission,” he adds.
One Degree Hotter follows Machel’s 2021 star-studded album The Wedding Album, which featured Afro B, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Teddy Riley, Vybz Kartel and many more.
The announcement follows Machel’s appearance on NPR’s Tiny Desk, a major milestone for the Soca genre as Machel made history becoming the first soca artist to perform on the platform. The video has garnered over 1 million views in the short time since its release. NPR spoke on the significance of Machel’s performance saying, “Montano’s performance is the first to bring soca, the high energy dance music of the Caribbean, to the Tiny Desk. The genre was born in Trinidad and Tobago in the early 1970s when calypso artist Lord Shorty (who later chose the name Ras Shorty I) added traditional Indian percussion instruments and rhythms to calypso music — itself a fusion that incorporates elements of African, Venezuelan, French and American music.”
In preparation for the 2025 Trinidad & Tobago Carnival, Machel Montano will defend his Calypso Monarch crown. Fans have already deemed the musical maestro’s single “PARDY” one of the top contenders for the coveted Road March race, which if he wins, Montano will be tied with the legendary Lord Kitchener for the most all time at 11 titles.
One ‘Drink Champs’ appearance has landed internationally acclaimed dancehall artiste, Beenie Man, in hot water. The ‘Gyal Dem Sugar’ singer appeared on the popular US platform recently, after returning to the US after many years, having been previously barred from entry.
”I love Trinidad. I love Trinidad but dog don’t eat doubles. I don’t eat anything that dog don’t eat,” he told hosts Nore and DJ EFN. The duo had asked the entertainer whether he ate the Trinidad and Tobago delicacy. He went on to say that while the popular street food is nice, and he’s had it a couple times, even outlining the ‘triples’ version, he said he would not eat it because if it’s thrown to the dogs, they refuse to eat it.
Today, in a swift denouncement of an artiste that has been on many stages in T&T for decades, the people of Trinidad and Tobago have demanded an apology. On popular radio station, Vibe CT 105FM, hosts Ken Simmons and George Gonzales debated the matter, George calling for DJs to desist from playing the artiste’s music until a proper apology is received. Many callers echoed his sentiments.
Beenie Man was barred from US entry since 2015, along with artistes like Aidonia, Bounty Killer, Sizzla, and Mavado. His travel limitation continued even after Aidonia and Mavado’s visas were restored. In 2011, Beenie Man’s visa was temporarily restored, but by 2015, he was angain barred entry to the United States. On December 26th, 2024, the artiste publicly announced that his Visa had been reinstated.
error: This content is protected. if you wish to use this content in anyway please contact us.
DIFFERENT
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.I Agree